6 Best Coffee Machines UK 2018

Coffee machines are a gadget that have become very popular in kitchens. From bean to cup coffee machines, to pod coffee machines, the range and functions available in 2018 are amazing, offering near professional results at affordable prices. We have taken the time to look at a range of six coffee machines for sale in the UK. These machines range from cheap to expensive, and offer a variety of different designs and functions. Whatever you need in a coffee machines though, there will be an option here that suits you, and all those we review can be found on Amazon.

De’Longhi is a well known manufacturer of coffee machines, building a reputation for creating products that are well designed and with great performance. The Magnifica follows in this tradition being one of the best bean to cup coffee machines for the price.

Our Outline

The Magnifica ESAM 4200 is a bean to cup machines that has an impressive 15 bar pump pressure, a rating that is near professional standards. The MCM4100 is suitable for creating a range of types of coffee, and with the inbuilt grinder, it is possible to try the different blends of coffee beans that you enjoy. The Magnifica also benefits from the added advantage that it is also suitable for ground coffee as well, making this a versatile machine for any kitchen and one of the best bean to cup coffee machines around.

Inbuilt Burr Grinder

The powerful motor and pump pressure combine with the inbuilt grinder to allow for professional style coffee results. The grinder can be adjusted depending upon the fineness that you want for your coffee beans, and this also allows you to experiment in making your own perfect blend. The grinder is simple to use and easy to adjust, making for no hassle coffee.

Milk Frother

As with any high end coffee machine for sale, the Magnifica has a built in stainless steel milk frother that enhances forms an intricate part of the coffee making process. The milk frother is sturdy, creating dependable results and allowing for a wider variety of coffee styles to choose from.

Dual Boiler System

The dual boiler system helps to ensure that this coffee machine produces your morning coffee quickly. The active cup warmer ensures that your coffee is served as it should be, whilst the height adjustable dispenser means that your cups and mugs can be accommodated.

Easy Interface

The interface for the coffee machine is forward facing, with a nice mix of buttons and knobs. The layout is clear and there are a range of pre-programmed options available for simplicity of use. LCD indicators provide feedback to the user. The interface blends wells with the overall design of the machine again making this one of the best bean to cup coffee machines.

Design

The Magnifica is a well design bean to cup coffee machine. It looks sturdy, professional and expensive. Although finished in plastic, the grey colour would sit well within most kitchens and the stainless steel milk frothing arm helps to set of this colour. It is quite a large machine, and therefore you must have a suitable space within your kitchen to put it.

Cleaning

De’Longhi have made this machine to be as easy to clean as possible with a removable brewing unit and drip tray. The coffee making process is self contained and any spillage should be easy to clean from the plastic surface. Overall this is an easy machine to clean and maintain.

Price

Being a bean to cup coffee machine will always add a certain amount of expense. The De’Longhi Magnifica although one of the most expensive options in our review, provides good value for money and is highly rated for the professional quality that it provides. This would be a good option if you are looking for a high end machine.

Plus Points

In-built burr grinder

Good range of preset programs

Innovative dual boiler system and cup warmer function

Stainless steel milk frothing arm

Negative Points

Quite a large machine in comparison to others in the review

One of the more expensive in the review

Our Opinion

The De’Longhi Magnifica offers a great combination of high end quality and affordability. The price may be a little steep for some, but this is one of the best best bean to cup coffee machines options on the market if you are looking for a machine for under £300. The stylish design, easy to use interface and range of functions all make this an easy choice to highly recommend.

Nespresso are another manufacturer that are synonymous with great coffee machines. Many of their machines are pod coffee machines and the Nespresso Pixie is in this mold. These machines offer a compact design whilst still producing great results.

Our Outline

The Nespresso Pixie 11371 is a pod coffee machine that offers impressive design, a separate milk frother and some impressive technology. The range of pod drinks available, mean that there is bound to be something that is right for you. Whilst you cannot try your own blends of coffee, the simplicity of this machine will be a feature that many will like, whilst the overall design will be a striking feature in all kitchens.

Pod Coffee

Pod coffee machines have one significant drawback over bean to cup coffee machines in that you are limited to the types of drinks available in the pods. However, the range of pods sold by Nespresso is impressive with at least 20 different varieties to choose from. The Pixie makes it easy to add in and remove pods, meaning that the creation of your perfect cup of coffee is a simple process.

Milk Frother

The high end milk frother that is included with this machine is a great addition and places this on another plane over lesser based pod machines. The Aeroccino 3 can be used to produce either hot or cold milk froth adding a rich smoothness to each cup of coffee. In addition the great design of this milk frother means that it will stand out as a piece of decoration in the kitchen.

Thermoblock Heating System

Nespresso have created a machine that is filled with innovative design, and the Pixie boasts a thermoblock heating system that is able to heat water very quickly. This efficiency means that you are not left waiting for your coffee, and if you are making a few cups, then it can save you a great deal of time.

Easy Interface

The interface on this machine is minimal. At the back of the machine, the few buttons allow you to turn the machine off and on, and set it off making your coffee. A very simple and easy to use machine.

Design

Pod coffee machines are often known for their design and Nespresso have produced a vast range of different designs. The Pixie is elegant and attractive. The interchangeable side panels, mean that you are able to add a different colour to suit your kitchen, or a splash of colour if you wish to. The machine is compact and therefore does not require a huge space within the kitchen. This is as much a design feature as a coffee machine.

Cleaning

The pod system means that cleaning this machine is very simple. The pod slides in at the top and slides out again once it has been used. Any coffee that goes astray will be caught by the drip tray and a wipe down with a cloth will keep this machine pristine.

Price

This effort from Nespresso is priced quite highly for a pod based machine, and you also have to take into account the cost of the pods that you will have to buy. The addition of the milk frother has perhaps driven up the price, however this is one of the most stylish designs we have seed for a pod coffee machine and is therefore worth the money.

Plus Points

Simple pod based system

Elegant design

Great milk frother which enhances each drink

Compact machine

Negative Points

Limited by the pods available

Quite expensive for a pod machine

Our Opinion

The Nespresso Pixie 11371 is a great effort, blending simple functionality with elegant design. Pod based systems will not be for everyone, and if you are set on a bean to cup coffee machine then this will not be for you. However, if you want a pod system that is practical and will look great in your kitchen, then this machine has many positives going for it. At just under £200, there are cheaper pod systems on the market that will give good results, however the milk frother adds another level to this machine.

Andrew James are perhaps not as well known within this market as the two manufacturers that have previously been mentioned. The quality of this entry from them however, should leave no doubt that they are capable of making fine coffee machines capable of producing superb results and for the low price this is one of the best bean to cup coffee machines on the market.

Integrated Grinder

As with our previous bean to cup coffee machines, this Andrew James effort integrates an adjustable grinder into the machine allowing you to decide how you want your coffee. The coffee beans are easy to place at the top of the machine, meaning there is minimal fuss involved.

Timer

Being a filter coffee maker, the Andrew James comes with a 24 hour timer system. The programmable timer means that you can choose when the machine turns on, meaning your hot coffee can be waiting for you when you get up. This is a very convenient system and is one of the stronger features of any machine in our review.

30 Minute Keep Warm

Filter coffee makers can be disadvantaged by the coffee going cold before much of it is drunk. The 30 minute keep warm function means that you coffee will stay hot and fresh to the 2nd or even 3rd cup. When combined effectively with the timer, this is a very efficient system.

Large Water Carafe

The 1.5 litre carafe means that making a large amount of coffee is possible with this machine. This is one of the main advantages that filter coffee machines have over single / double cup machines. The drawback of this system is that you are limited to producing one type of coffee, however being able to use a full range of coffee beans, mitigates this disadvantage.

Easy Interface

As with the other machines reviewed so far, the interface on the Andrew James bean to cup coffee machine is simple to use and front facing. The buttons blend well with the overall design, and the information display is user friendly.

Design

The machine is well designed and elegant. In stainless steel the overall look is modern. Filter coffee machines will always have to make room in their design for the coffee pot, but your eye is drawn towards the front panel rather than this element. This would look good in all kitchens, and although larger than some pod coffee machines, it is still a reasonable compact effort for a filter coffee maker.

Cleaning

This machines utilises a reusable mesh filter system which is removable and can be easily cleaned. Any coffee on the surface of the machine can be easily removed with a cloth, although do remember to watch out for the hot plate. Overall, this machine takes slightly more time to clean than other entries as the pot also has to be cleaned after use.

Price

The Andrew James bean to cup coffee machine has a very affordable price tag for the features and functions that it offers. With a great design and an efficient and helpful timer system, this model offers great value for money making it one of the best bean to cup coffee machines around.

Plus Points

24 hour timer system with 30 minute keep warm function

Can make up to 12 cups of coffee

Stainless steel elegant design

Low price point

Negative Points

Is a filter coffee maker and therefore is cannot produce the range of drinks that other machines can

Our Opinion

This is a great effort from Andrew James. At under £90 this should be a real consideration for many people thinking about purchasing a coffee machine. The stainless steel design and range of features at this price point make for great value for money. The drawback to this machine is that it is limited to filter coffee and therefore you need to see whether you want a wider range of options, before you decide on this machine. If a filter machine is for you, then this really is best bean to cup coffee machines you can find at or around this price point.

Our first entry from Bosch, another well renowned brand for coffee machines and especially pod coffee machines. Bosch are well known for their range of designs and offer a number of low cost solutions that will make you a great cup of coffee. The Vivy 2 falls in this category.

Height Adjustable

The height adjustable and removable cup stand makes this versatile enough to fit most coffee mugs or cups that you can throw at it. The stainless steel drip tray adds to this feature, and being removable makes it a very simple process to clean up.

Pod System

As one of three pod based machines in our range, the process for inserting the pods is as simple as lifting the top, placing them in and you are ready to go. Again there are a vast range of options in the Tassimo pod range including a range of coffees and hot chocolate. As with all pods systems, you are limited to the options available though.

Removable Water Tank

The removable water tank on this machine means that when it comes to refilling the procedure is easy and without fuss. The water tank at 0.7 litres is not huge, but enough to get several drinks out of before the need to refill.

Easy User Interface

The user interface is minimal, reflecting this easy to use machine. The 5 LED lights alerts the user to the current status of the machine, including whether the machine needs to be descaled, or whether the water tank needs to be refilled. The one button operation of the Vivy means that this machine could not be simpler to use.

Design

Bosch have made the Vivy 2 very compact. The minimalist look, including the user interface, has produced an elegant design that fits in with the modern design of kitchens. With the small surface area that this covers, the Vivy 2 will not make any bold design statements about your kitchen, but will sit well waiting to be used.

Cleaning

With an auto cleaning and descaling feature, and the ability to remove several parts of the machine, the Bosch Vivy 2 has to be one of the easiest machines we are reviewing to clean. The self contained coffee making process ensures that there is little spillage, and the plastic body makes it easy to clean with a cloth.

Price

At a very low price point, this is the cheapest coffee machine in our review. Although it does not have a frother like the Nespresso Pixie, it has the full range of other features expected of a machine of this type. Overall very good value for money.

Plus Points

Auto cleaning and descaling

Compact modern design

Good range of drink pods available

Low cost

Negative Points

No milk frother

Low water tank capacity

Our Opinion

The Bosch Vivy 2 TAS1402 is a great pod coffee machine. Small in stature, the design is simple and elegant. Although it doesn’t offer a milk frother, it is difficult to beat the value of this machine at less than £40. If you like pod based coffee systems, and want a simple to use machine then this is definitely worth the money.

Sage make high end, high quality, high price machines. In conjunction with Heston Blumenthal, the range covers several kitchen gadgets and machines. The BES870UK is a typical product from the range, providing a near professional level coffee machine with a wide array of features and the price tag that you would expect.

Inbuilt Grinder

As with all the best bean to cup coffee machines, the in built grinder is top quality. With full adjustability, it means that you are able to have the coffee the way that you like it, utilising the different blends of beans as per your taste. This machine produces a great result whatever setting you decide upon.

Innovative Technology

As expected, this machine from Sage is fully of innovative technology. There is automatic hands free dosing to ensure the correct volume of ground coffee consistently. Low pressure pre-infusion soaks the coffee allowing it to expand prior to high pressure extraction. This technology combines to ensure that you get great coffee every time. The incorporation of this technology is what you would expect from the best bean to cup coffee machines.

High Pressure Steam

The BES870UK features a high pressure steam output. This element is used for milk frothing and texturing and provides professional results. This addition means that you can replicate the coffees from coffee shops and takes your coffee to a new high. The machine also has a separate hot water wand that means that you can easily pre-heat cups, or add hot water to drinks.

Stylish User Interface

The interface is front facing and displays a mixture of dials and gauges that allow the user to interact with every aspect of the coffee making process. The interface is intuitive and blends well with the overall style of the machine.

Design

This is a reasonably large machine and will act as a central feature on the kitchen worktop. The stainless steel finish look great and the overall look is impressive. The range of features on the machine do not overwhelm the design, and in fact enhance it. This will look good in modern kitchens, however you will need to make sure that you have the space for it.

Cleaning

Being stainless steel this is an easy machine to clean. The drip tray will collect any stray coffee and a wipe down will keep it looking shiny and new. It is not as easy as some of the pod coffee machines, however this does boast many more features and is therefore more complicated to clean.

Price

This is the most expensive machine in our review. At a price point of over £500, this is not a machine that is going to be for everyone, or even many people. If the price doesn’t both you though, you are getting one of the best bean to cup coffee machines that offers the full range of functions that you will ever want in a coffee maker.

Plus Points

High end professionally styled machine

Great range of features and functions

High pressure steam output

Separate hot water wand

Negative Points

Very high price point for a home based coffee machine

Our Opinion

The Sage BES870UK is a great bean to cup coffee machine. It boasts a range of the very best features that you can are likely to find on a home model, and the result is the ability to tailor the coffee produced to your exact design. With a design that will look good anywhere, this is a machine for those that love their coffee. The high price point will put many off, however the features make it worth the cost.

Our final entry into this category is from Krups Nescafe another brand that are well known for their quirky and unusual design. The Dolce Gusto Drop Touch is no exception to this, offering a pod based system that is as much a design statement as it is a coffee machine.

Touch Based Technology

This model uses a touch based system to operate it. You can select how many bars of water you would like to run through each pod, and then it will dispense only this much. This system is well designed and easy to operate, allowing you to also choose hot or cold water.

Pod Based

This machine is another example of a pod coffee machine. The pod slides in smoothly and the machine will then pierce it for you. The range of pods on option as highlighted above are numerous and provide you with a great variety of drinks from which to choose, although you are still reliant on the options available unlike bean to cup coffee machines.

Quick Heating

Once the machine is started, it begins to heat the water very quickly, meaning that it is an efficient machine to use. The water bar system, means that you can also choose how weak or strong you would like your coffee, which is a nice addition.

Stylish User Interface

The interface is touch based, and therefore this does not have buttons that stick out from it. The machine is very simple to use and you can be making your first cup of coffee shortly after opening it up.

Design

The design of this machine is going to be perhaps the key reason for choosing it for your kitchen. Some people will really like it, whilst others will not want it anywhere near their kitchen. We thought the design was very stylish and ultra modern. The automatic closing head and lack of buttons make it incredibly sleek.

Cleaning

Like all pod based machines, the Drop Touch is easy to clean and a quick wipe over with a cloth will be enough most of the time. The pods are easy to insert and remove and cause little mess in themselves.

Price

The price point for this machine is competitive. At under £100, this is a coffee machine that offers a few innovative features not found on some other pod machines, a stylish user interface and the design to make it a standout piece in any kitchen.

Plus Points

Unusual and ultra modern design

Touch based interface

Automatic closing head and pod piercing

Good price point

Negative Points

Is pod based and therefore limited to the choice of coffee and drinks on offer

Our Opinion

We were very impressed by this machine. Whilst if you definitely want a bean to cup coffee machine you will be choosing a different options, for those who want a pod coffee machine, this offers something that is a bit different both in the way it functions and in the design that it has. At under £100, we believe that this will be a huge positive for any kitchen.

Our winning choice for this review is the Krups Nescafe Dolce Gusto Drop Touch Coffee Machine. We believe that this machine offers the best value for money over the ones that we have reviewed. Although pod based, there is a great range of drinks available, and the style of the machine will ensure that it stands out and is mentioned by everyone. Buy it for less than £100 on Amazon by clicking below.